The Basis of Good Government according to Analects Essay

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Confucius, a high-ranking Chinese researcher argues that good governance ought to tag along certain fundamental values to ensure its triumph. He notes that leaders should posses certain traits for them to win the affection, devotion and support of their people. Good governance should focus on establishing a strapping relationship between leaders and their followers for the benefit of humanity.

To advance humanity, leaders should aim at gaining the commitment of their followers as well as securing their human rights. Confucius reasons that leaders will gain the commitment of their followers “If they are led by virtue and uniformity….” (Analects, par.1) Confucius notes good behavior as a virtuous feature in a leader. Good government should model good behavior by not harboring immoral judgment.

Modeling good behavior should inculcate virtuous values in people as well as gratifying them, which is a significant obligation of a first-rate government. If people are gratified, leaders will lead in harmony, as no one will rebel against them. Confucius says “…they will have the sense of shame, and moreover will become good.” (Analects, par.4)

Confucius believes that people can execute their purpose in society and governance effectively if they learn to perform their family functions well. If leaders loved their followers like family, they would in turn get devotion and admiration.

Confucius identifies the past as a lead to triumphant government. He states that, “If keeping the old warm one can provide understanding of the new, one is fit to be a teacher.” (Analects, par.11) He frequently uses examples of triumphant and unsuccessful leaders to teach.

In his writing, Confucius hailed legendary heroes like Bo Yi, Shun and Shu Qi. Largely, Confucian viewpoint is pinched from that of prehistoric Chinese politicians, rulers and renowned leaders. The utmost persuasion on Confucius was the thinking of the Duke of Chou, whom he outlined as having a desirable quality.

The Duke counseled his nephew in appropriate modesty and virtuous manners. This inclined to Confucius’s thought of avoiding deviance as the way to servant leadership. Confucius was also highly motivated by philosophers. His highest motivator was a philosopher called Mencius. However, they were set apart by their diverse mannerisms and oratory prowess.

Confucius identified knowledge as a first-rate attribute for a good leader. He says that knowledge is “…when you know a thing, to hold that you know it; and when you do not know a thing, to allow that you do not know it.” (Analects, par.18) Confucius says that passing of knowledge to people is the work of government.

According to Confucius, an excellent leader in a good government should “Hear much and put aside the points of which you stand in doubt, while you speak cautiously at the same time of others…” (Analects, par.19) Securing the compliance of people is crucial in good governance.

Confucius says that to ensure people submit to law, a leader should “…advance the upright and set aside the crooked…” (Analects, par.20) He further notes that if people remain faithful to their leaders while regarding them with feelings of respect, good governance will prevail.

Good government is all about truthfulness. Leaders who drive out concealed evasiveness and upholds communal decree, keep their people safe and their thrones in order. In good government, competent people avoid obliteration and undeserved praise. Governing a country by regulation entails approving the correct and charging the erroneous.

According to Confucius, good government should take the needs of the people into consideration by doing the right things and upholding virtuous values. Confucius argues that if every one honors their family responsibilities effectively, eventually fulfilling their societal responsibilities should be easy.

Confucius argues that virtuous people are generally attractive. Leaders in government who are virtuous experience healthy relationships with their people. Virtue should not be used to acquire awards but for the betterment of humanity.

Works Cited

“Analects, Book 1, Part 2.” The Internet Classics Archive (1994). Web.04 Oct. 2012.

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